Around the 'Shoe

If it makes you feel any better, my friend also had a black lab that developed the same condition about a year and a half ago and they gave it pretty much the same prognosis. They opted for the amputation, and a year and a half later the dog is still doing great - cancer did not spread. The amputation is pretty rough on the dog at first (Her dog had to have a front leg amputated too), not gonna lie, but it gets better. The dog now probably has a few years left!

I wish you luck in whatever decision you make. It's a tough decision, but in the end you'll know what's right for you and your dog. God bless!

Pork is gone. We let him go earlier this afternoon.

What an incredibly horrible decision to have to make, I can't imagine what you're going through. Thank goodness my dog "Indy" died naturally and I wasn't faced with that devastating scenario.

yes, and we know that; it's just really tough.

I had him out in the yard this morning and he tripped and fell, cuz he was trying to walk on just 1 front leg = that did it for me.

thank you. we have 3 others. it helps, but we know P was special.

I never really taught him anything, but what he knew and understood was amazing. one sylables, facial exspressions, gestures, hand signals - he knew when someone was going to leave before they even got up out of their seat.

I know for some this is probably getting old; just a tough, tough day. not sure I felt this anguish when my father died....

I have a friend that has spent over $5,000 in the past 4 months attempting to improve the quality of the life of a dog that is 15 years old. I told him to wise up, because the dog has no improvement.

You have to make decisions for the best interests of the dog. You did this, and he loves you for it. It's just the way it is, man.

My heart goes out to you. Our pets are as much a part of our family as any human. I've lost several family members to cancer. I know all too well the feeling. Keep your head up.

Pork was a lab cross. His father was a Rottweiler, and his mother was a Black Lab. He was 110lbs. and heavier mass wise, than a typical Lab. At his heaviest, he was 122lbs.

It's good to know that dogs can thrive after such situations as your friend. I just didn't think it was right for us.

Thank You for the kind words.

3yd.....

Just checked back on your post and saw the news about Pork.

While family members, they are still animals, I commend you for stepping up quickly and not letting him suffer. I did the same with a Sheperd mix we had about 10 years ago - she had several problems and the day it turned bad for her I had her put down.

For those who have never gone through it, it is very quick and obviously painless to the animal.

Condolences to you. You will carry the memories of Pork for the rest of your years. Treasure those and the fact you cared enough for him to not make his final days too many and too painful.

You're a good human. A pat on the head for you. Tell your wife I said you can have a biscuit. : )